One of the long-standing practices in football is to have some offensive and defensive starters playing special teams. They are often the best players on the team, so they can lend athleticism and leadership to special teams.
And perhaps the greatest one-man show by a Denver Broncos defensive starter on special teams came vs. the Chargers on Nov. 17, 1985.
The player was future Ring of Fame safety Dennis Smith, and he did something that few players have ever matched: blocking three field-goal attempts in a single game.
The game itself was one of the best ever played at old Mile High Stadium, the only game in NFL history in which both the first and last touches of the ball resulted in touchdowns.
San Diego running back and kick returner Gary Anderson took the opening kick of the game and returned it 98 yards for a touchdown, so the Broncos trailed 7-0 just 17 seconds into the game.
On the very next Chargers possession, they drove down the field and tried a 47-yard field goal, but it was blocked by Smith. At the time, no one had any idea what similar heroics the Southern Cal product would produce at the end of the contest.
The game was a great back-and-forth struggle by two Hall of Fame quarterbacks, with John Elway completing 28 passes for 261 yards and a score, while Dan Fouts posted 23 completions for 245 yards and a touchdown.
The Chargers led the game by three points until Elway engineered one of his patented last-minute drives, this one resulting in a game-tying 34-yard field goal by Denver's Rich Karlis to tie the score with just five seconds left.
There would be just one possession in the overtime.
Fouts led the Chargers down the field for a 40-yard field goal attempt by Bob Thomas, but Dennis Smith had other ideas.
Photos from throughout the Broncos' history with the Chargers, both in Los Angeles and San Diego.
Lionel Taylor tries to reel in a tough, acrobatic catch against the Chargers.
Bill Keating sacks a Chargers QB.
Running back Otis Armstrong runs the ball upfield during an October 20, 1974 win (27-7) over the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium.
Quarterback Craig Morton (7) throws while being pressured by San Diego Chargers defensive end Leroy Jones (68) during an NFL game in San Diego, Calif., Nov. 13, 1977. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 17-14. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Defensive tackle Paul Smith tries to break through Chargers blockers during a game against San Diego at Mile High Stadium.
Running back Otis Armstrong (24) runs upfield behind guard Paul Howard (60) during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers in San Diego, Nov. 13, 1977. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 17-14. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Defensive end Barney Chavous (79) pressures San Diego Chargers quarterback James Harris (12) during an NFL game in San Diego, Nov. 13, 1977. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 17-14. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Kit Lathrop wrestles with a Chargers blocker.
Defensive end Rulon Jones rushes Charger quarterback Dan Fouts during a September 27, 1981 win (42-24) against San Diego.
Cornerback Louis Wright returns an intercepted pass during a November 17, 1985 overtime win (30-24) against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium.
John Elway passes against the San Diego Chargers.
Wide receiver Steve Watson runs over a Charger defender during an Oct. 12, 1986, win (31-14) in San Diego.
Running back Gene Lang leaps through the Chargers' line during an Oct. 12, 1986, win (31-14) in San Diego.
Quarterback John Elway scrambles as center Keith Bishop blocks Charger Billy Ray Smith during an Oct. 2, 1988, win (12-0) at San Diego.
Tony Dorsett maneuvers behind the Broncos line looking for a hole in the Chargers defense.
John Elway runs in for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg gets by a Chargers blocker during a December 22, 1991 win (17-14) over San Diego at Mile High Stadium.
Safety Tyrone Braxton and cornerback Charles Dimry tackle a Charger in a September 13, 1992 win (21-13) over San Diego.
John Elway under center against the San Diego Chargers.
Linebacker Simon Fletcher attacks the blcok of a Chargers lineman during a September 24, 1995 loss (6-17) in San Diego.
Linebacker Allen Aldridge and other members of the defense tackle a Chargers player during a Nov. 19, 1995 win (30-27) against San Diego.
John Elway motions a receiver against the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 19, 1995.
Receiver Ed McCaffrey runs the ball upfield after a catch during an October 6, 1996 win (28-17) over the San Diego Chargers.
Denver: Trevor Pryce does a dance after making a tackle during the last regular season home game of the year against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 21, 1997.
Denver: The Broncos defensive team celebrates Steve Atwater's interception against the Chargers against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 21, 1997.
John Elway shouts the snap count during the last regular season home game of the year against the San Diego Chargers at Mile HIgh Stadium December 21, 1997.
Denver Broncos in action against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
Denver: Alfred Williams sacks the Chargers quarterback during the last regular season game of the year against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 21, 1997.
Denver Broncos in action against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 21, 1997.
Denver: The Broncos defensive team held on a fourth and short so the Broncos take over on downs against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver CO December 21, 1997
Denver: Shannon Sharpe makes a catch inside the Charger 20 yard line against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 21, 1997.
San Diego: Rod Smith makes a leaping reception over the defender for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
San Diego: Steve Atwater jogs into the endzone with a smile after returning an interception for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
Denver: The Broncos team lines up against their AFC opponents, the Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver Co December 21, 1997.
Denver Broncos' receiver Ed McCaffrey holds up the ball after catching a 21-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone during the third quarter of the Broncos' 38-28 victory over the San Diego Chargers Sunday Nov. 30, 1997 in San Diego. Denver's Willie Green (85) joins McCaffrey. The Chargers' Paul Bradford (25) and Terrance Shaw, center, arrive late to defend. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Ed McCaffrey makes a touchdown reception in the back of the endzone against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
John Mobley looks to the sidelines after stopping Natrone Means for a short gain against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Dan Neil blocks the oncoming Chargers defense against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 29, 1998.
Trevor Pryce sacks the quarterback against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on October 8, 2000.
Dwayne Carswell makes a reception against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 19, 2000.
Rod Smith makes a reception against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 19, 2000.
Sam Brandon blocks a Chargers punt attempt, but Darren Bennett of the Chargers knocked the ball out of the back of the end zone for a safety against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 6, 2002.
Deltha O' Neal celebrates with Izell Reese and Kenoy Kennedy after intercepting a Chargers pass attempt and retuning it for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 6, 2002.
Rod Smith makes a reception against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 16, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe is all smiles after his touchdown reception against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 16, 2003.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on September 14, 2003.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees is sacked by Trevor Pryce with assistance from Michael Myers for a 5-yard loss on Dec. 31, 2005 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer (16) looks to avoid the rush of San Diego Charger DeQuincy Scott during the first quarter in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) celebrates with teammates Lenny Walls, left, and Nick Ferguson (25) after Bailey intercepted a San Diego Chargers pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam (1) kicks a game winning 41-yard field goal in the closing seconds against the San Diego Chargers in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005. The Broncos beat the Chargers 20-17. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos RB Tatum Bell (26) dives into the end zone from 1 yard out for his second touchdown of the game against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 31, 2005, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
Champ Bailey celebrates intercepting a pass intended for Chris Chambers against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field on Sept. 14, 2008.
Wesley Woodyard celebrates a defensive stop by the Broncos against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field on Sept. 14, 2008.
RB Michael Pittman goes over the top for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field on Sept. 14, 2008.
Eddie Royal celebrates scoring the potentially game-winning touchdown on a 4-yard reception with 24 seconds left in regulation against the Chargers on Sept. 14, 2008.
Eddie Royal catches a two-point conversion pass to give the Broncos a one point lead with 24 second remaining in the game on September 14, 2008.
Elvis Dumervil sacks Philip Rivers for a 4-yard loss in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 19, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium.
Denver Broncos Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil sack Chargers QB Philip Rivers on Nov. 27, 2011.
QB Tim Tebow (15) runs up the middle for 12 yards against the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 28, 2011.
Denver Broncos Matt Prater kicks the game-winning 37-yard field goal during overtime against the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 27, 2011.
OLB Von Miller (58) tackles San Diego Chargers running back Jackie Battle (44) during first-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Eric Decker (87) goes airborne as he crosses the goal line for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Mike Adams (20), Derek Wolfe (95) and Von Miller (58) stop RB Ryan Matthews (24) on a run during third-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game October 15, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA.
Brandon Stokley (14) celebrates his 21-yard touchdown reception to give Denver a 28-24 lead with 9:03 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Broncos had fallen behind 24-0 in the first half before rallying for the comeback victory.
Chris Harris Jr. (25) intercepts a pass and heads up the sideline against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game October 15, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA.
Elvis Dumervil (92) pulls on the jersey of quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during fourth-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on November 18, 2012.
OLB Von Miller (58) forces a fumble on San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during third-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Von Miller (58) and Wesley Woodyard (52) celebrate after Miller caused a fumble and Woodyard recovered it during third-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) pushes away a defender as he scores a touchdown during first-quarter action of the game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday Nov. 10, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) stiff-arms a defender during second-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in an AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field on Jan. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) sacks San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during second-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in an AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field on January 12, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) dodges a defender's grasp during fourth-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in an AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field on January 12, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Nate Irving (56), Von Miller (58) and Sylvester Williams (92) stop Chargers running back Branden Oliver (43) for a 2-yard loss on Oct. 23, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Emmanuel Sanders (10) hangs on to a 38-yard reception during first-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 23, 2014.
Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrates with Wes Welker (83) and Virgil Green (85) after scoring a 28-yard touchdown against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 14, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Chris Harris Jr. (25) and Brandon Marshall (54) react after breaking up a pass meant for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during first-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 14, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 14, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Demaryius Thomas (88) takes a reception all the way for a 72-yard touchdown against the San Diego Chargers on Jan. 3, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Derek Wolfe (95) pressures San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) on Jan. 3, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
After missing multiple weeks while recovering from a foot injury Peyton Manning (18) returned to the field for the Broncos' season finale before their playoff push on Jan. 3, 2016.
Ronnie Hillman (23) carries the ball for a 23-yard touchdown against the San Diego Chargers on Jan. 3, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Peyton Manning (18) and San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) talk after the game on Jan. 3, 2016.
Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) knocks the ball out of San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers' (17) hand during second quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 30, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) blocks for safety T.J. Ward (43) after an interception during third quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 30, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) intercepts a San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) pass and returns it 49-yards for a touchdown during second quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colo. October 30, 2016.
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles (72) picks quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) up after scoring a touchdown during second quarter action against the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., September 11, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Von Miller returns an interception 42 yards to set up a Royce Freeman touchdown that would
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) leads the way for safety Justin Simmons (31) after an interception during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, California, October 06, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 06: Denver Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco (5) hands off to Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (30) during the NFL regular season football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) carries the ball for a 70-yard touchdown during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, California, October 06, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Kareem Jackson (22) and linebacker Malik Reed (59) react after a play during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, California, October 06, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Alexander Johnson (45) carries the ball after an interception during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, California, October 06, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 06: Denver Broncos defense celebrates during the NFL regular season football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire)
Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (30) carries the ball during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, California, October 06, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The team celebrates with Denver Broncos placekicker Brandon McManus (8) he kicked the game-winning field goal after the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 01, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Dalton Risner lifts up Drew Lock as they celebrate after the Broncos' 23-20 win over the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 1, 2019. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Courtland Sutton reacts after making his second touchdown catch of the day during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 5, 2019. (Photo by Jeremy Rincon)
Courtland Sutton reacts after making a touchdown catch during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 5, 2019. (Photo by Jeremy Rincon)
Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 01, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (93) celebrates with the team after an interception during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 01, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Smith rushed in from the right side of the line and blocked the attempt, but he did not realize that at the very last second, Broncos' safety and captain Mike Harden had called time, negating the block and giving Thomas another chance.
The next thing that happened is something that never really happens.
Smith told his teammates in the Denver huddle, "I can block it again. Really."
Kickers always seem to connect on a second-chance kick, but this time the astonishing happened.
Smith again rushed in from the right, again blocked the field goal attempt, and this time it took a perfect one-hop bounce into the hands of another future Ring of Famer, cornerback Louis Wright, who scooped it up and ran 60 yards untouched into the end zone. As a result, the Broncos earned a 30-24 win.
And Smith had accomplished something I have only seen once in 69 years of Broncos football: the same player blocking three field goal attempts in a single game, two on consecutive attempts. One of those attempts was of course negated by the timeout, but it nevertheless happened.
The overtime score did not require an extra-point attempt, making this the only game in NFL history in which both the first and last touches of the ball resulted in touchdowns.
After the game, Denver kicker Rich Karlis expressed sympathy for the fate of fellow kicker Thomas, but the Chargers' placekicker evidently was not too traumatized by the consecutive blocks.
Thomas played a total of 12 years in the NFL, made 151 field goals, and now is a justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois. He has served as a Supreme Court justice for the Second District since 2000 and as chief justice from Sept. 6, 2005 to Sept. 5, 2008.
But that day was a game for the ages on special teams by the Broncos' Dennis Smith.
For 14 years of plays just like that and a career that included three Super Bowl appearances, six Pro Bowls and four All-AFC selections, Smith was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2001.
No game, though, was as "special" as that 1985 contest against the Chargers.
